CU/AL duplex outlet difference?

[ron350]

What is the difference between a 120-V home outlet that says copper wire only and one that says copper/aluminum compatible?

[muddy]

Interesting. I thought aluminum was outlawed years ago?

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[ron350]

 I am asking because my neighbors house built in 1967 has aluminum wireing. The other day a duplex outlet in the kitchen became too loose to work and i replace it with a commercial grade Pass & Seymour.
When i returned home i noticed that the Pass & Seymour box says only for copper wire and not aluminum.

[wantedabiggergarage]

Interesting. I thought aluminum was outlawed years ago?

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It was, internally. My parents old house had that wiring and you were supposed to use those special outlets along with some kind of anti-corrosion gel.  I thought the difference is the type of metal or its coating, so the aluminum wire doesn't  corrode.  The gel is to help stop the oxygen/oxidation.

They still use aluminum for the box drops to the best of my knowledge.

[slip knot]

The cu/al has a different alloy on the connectors. The No-ox gel is good to have around too but the aluminum wire will still corrode in the wrong fixture. Ali wire is ok when used properly. We had a generator installed in one of our facilities and they used aluminum wire for it. kinda odd to see someone pick up 25ft of 500MCM wire with one hand. 

There is some copper clad aluminum wiring on the market now but I haven't had to deal with that just yet.

[ron350]

 Thanks for the help.

It looks like i will be going to Lowe's and Home Depot and find a good aluminum rated duplex.

[fatfillup]

Good on ya for helping the neighbor and plus getting the right fixture

[ron350]

Well i tried my best to find a commercial grade duplex outlet that was compatible with aluminum wire but had no luck.

Sad but all i can find is a cheap $4 Leviton duplex #H51-12650 at Home Depot. At least it has white metal screws and contacts on both hot and neutral.